Khabib Nurmagomedov posted a cryptic picture on Instagram, which may all but confirm that his proposed fight with Conor McGregor will be announced soon.

UFC President Dana White had earlier shot down a proposed fight between the two for UFC 229, scheduled for October 6.

The latest post by the UFC Lightweight Champion however might hint that the fight may after all be happening this year.

The 29-year-old is seen striking a grappling dummy in the picture, with the accompanying caption reading: “Smash him soon.”

The post was made less than 12 hours after Russian striker Artem Dzyuba sent a video to Khabib, in which he is seen holding a signed jersey of the Russian national football team with the mixed martial artist’s name on the back.

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McGregor on the other hand hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts since the main-event of UFC 205, in which he defeated Eddie Alvarez to become the first simultaneous world champion of two weight divisions in UFC history.